I would shake her hand. But experts say that's the worst thing you can do right now. Here in new york city, alone, there are estimates that as many as 20,000 people may have the flu across the state. And as more and more people call out sick, we found some of the creative lengths people will go to stay well. Extreme measures for an extreme outbreak. As the flu virus spreads nationwide, this morning, schools, businesses and sports teams are now taking matters into their own hands, or elbows. Give an elbow bump like that. Reporter: This new york soccer team is banning high-fives and fist-bumps after the governor declared a public emergency. Just -- how are you doing? Reporter: The elbows. With the elbow. The hand shaking feels more intimate. But I think that it's a good reason. It will benefit us. Reporter: In massachusetts, nearly 9,000 confirmed flu cases. Businesses are now trying to keep healthy workers on the job. Marlo marketing is going all-natural. Turning 5:00 happy hour, into a wheat grass toast. Even serving up kale salads with fresh garlic, in hopes of boosting staff immune systems. I haven't been sick. Reporter: And in utah, health workers are preparing for the sundance film festival. Handing out thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer. Starting at the airport. We're going to try to hit some of the hotels and restaurants in town. Reporter: Still, experts say with the possibility of the flu season continuing for more than a month, your best bet is getting a flu shot immediately. The vaccine takes about two weeks to be fully protective. But it will give you protection on the way to that two weeks. Reporter: Hope to get mine tomorrow. And many of us here at the office have wondered, what happened if a sick co-worker touches your computer or phone. There's good news. The flu virus losts about eight hours on the surface. I'm walking around in a hazmat suit myself.

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